trolling motor help???

[flies only]

hey guys gonna mount a minn kota on my bow. question is i always see them mounted port running towards starboard. it seems as though it would be better to have it opposite when having right handed casters on board. does anyone have it mounted in this configuration on their boat???any thoughts

[CapeMayRay]

I have mine running the right to left and have no problems with it getting in the way in up or the down running position and I do a lot of charters with guys casting flies in the front. Hope you got one of those wireless remotes. They are worth their weight in gold. Once in a while fly line will get caught but not a problem.

Mounted as pictured above. Was out tonight and had that nice sunset. No fish as it was backbay water is still in the 40's. Worked it hard with the warmest water being 51 on the outgoing at creek pictured below.

No signs of bait or fish. Just need some warm days to get things going.

[Dave Sikorski]

I think either side would get in the way equally. Take something along that you can get wet and drape over the top of the motor...like a big towel. It shouldn't impeed the motor and will help from catching the line.

I've been throwing around the idea of putting one on my bow too. My boat has a goofy bow though b/c it's a duckboat.

Has anyone used a transom mount for manuvering in the salt? seems like it's have less control and be a PITA....any thoughts?

Nice pics Ray...the fish will be there soon enough.

-D

[CapeMayRay]

I had a stern mounted motor. It is only good for trolling or back drifting for fluke. Bow mounted is the way to go. Motors pull best and boat follows. From the stern pushing the wind alway catches the bow. I have had mine for three years and love it. With the wrist control I can stay amidships and have two persons fling flies and control the boat. Stripping basket I use on super windy days when the line wants to blow of the deck. I have a little lip on my deck so wind is usually not a problem. Bow motor really isn't a problem at all. Have had a few clients get a line in the prop at night. Maybe two a year.

Was out again this morning and the water was even colder. Had trouble finding even 50 degrees. Bottom of the tide I found one spot of 54 degree, way up a small creek, with water feeding into deeper. Worked it hard but nothing. Seems to start slow the last three years. There was one year where the back was warm and the fish were hitting in late March. Even clam bellies and clams are not producing yet in the back. That has to happen before we start getting them on the artificials.